WHILE you're busy enjoying the glorious weather it's important to remember to look after yourself. Here are 10 ways to keep yourself safe as the mercury rises...

It's important to wear sun screen to protect your skin from damage[GETTY]

Britain is set to bask in glorious sunshine over the next few days - but while the wonderful weather is heightening our Friday feeling, it could be detrimental to our health.

Public Health England has said the high temperatures and sizzling sunshine could be dangerous, especially for the more vulnerable members of the community.

And the Met Office issued a heatwave alert for five regions, with the extreme summer sunshine set to hit parts of the South East, London, the East of England, the East Midlands and West Midlands.

The exceptionally hot conditions are set to start later today and continue until Saturday, with parts of Britain reaching temperatures above 30C.

But the hot weather need not be a danger. If you take the right precarious such as protecting your skin and keeping hydrated you can enjoy the summer sun all weekend long.

So whether you're heading to the park, sunbathing on the beach or sipping on ice-cold beer in a toasty pub garden, here are 10 ways you can keep fresh and healthy during the heatwave.

rinking plenty of water and sticking to the shade at lunch can reduce your risk of heat stroke [GETTY]

1. STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration is a serious health risk, particularly among the elderly and young children. As the temperatures rise, it is even more important to avoid the dangers of dehydration.

We lose 2.5 litres of fluid every day - around half in urine and the other half through breathing and sweating.

Problems arise when not enough fluid is drunk to compensate for this and the body begins to dehydrate due to water and salt loss.

Recognising the warning signs, which include dizziness, headaches, tiredness and dry lips, should allow for a rapid recovery by taking the sufferer to a cool shaded area and giving them water to drink.

Fluid replacement sachets or drinks such as Oralyte can also speed up rehydration.

Dr Roger Henderson said: “Heat exhaustion and its subsequent condition if not treated - heatstroke - is seen both in this country as well as hotter climates and is due to periods of hot weather and high humidity, often in connection with physical activity and sweating.

"Keep clothing loose-fitting and light, aim to drink four pints of fluid each day as a minimum and avoid foods which cause sweating such as curries.”

Exposing your skin to the sun can cause premature ageing and skin cancer. This is why it is important to protect your skin at all times by wearing sun cream and staying out if the sun in the middle of the day.

The Harley Medical Group's high performance formulation offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection SPF25, as well as an effective barrier against the elements whilst rejuvenating the skin.

This moisturising and lightweight cream incorporates Shea Butter and is rich in Vitamin A, E and F, and is designed to nourish the skin and help prevent premature ageing.

Enhanced Performance SPF25 is priced at £39 available exclusively from The Harley Medical Group and online at harleymedical.co.uk.

The Harley Medical Group offers high performance, effective and targeted skincare solutions [IG]

3. ALOE FOR AFTER SUNCARE

If you do get burnt it's important to soothe your skin afterwards to help speed up the healing process.

Aloe Vera Gel helps calm the irritation caused by over-exposure to the sun as well as moisturising the skin.

The colourless gel absorbs quickly to leave no greasy residue.

Dr Roger Henderson said: “Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV) light in sunshine or from tanning beds. You are more at risk of this occurring if you have fair skin or red hair. Typical symptoms include red, sore skin that is warm to the touch even after cooling with water.

"The worst pain occurs six to 48 hours after sun exposure and the skin often flakes off after a few days. Avoid being outside between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest and always use sunscreen with a minimum skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 before going outside into the sun. “

Biting insects are attracted to the scent of human skin but when odours such as Citronella are present it deters the biting insects.

The patches are easy to apply and come in a re-sealable pouch, making them convenient for travelling.

One patch can provide up to 12 hours release of Citronella aroma up to a 50cm radius.

The patches are suitable for the whole family (from six months old) and can be attached to clothing as the essential oils are encapsulated within the layers of the patch.

Anthisan Citronella Patches retail at £3.99 for a pack of 24 and are available from leading pharmacies.

If you do get burnt it's important to treat your skin to help it heal quicker [IG]

5. DON’T SWEAT IT

According to a new survey by Soft & Gentle 45 per cent of women admit they worry about smelly odours and a third are more conscious of sweat patches appearing on their tight fitted clothing – with summer months proving problematic for some.

Sweat expert Dr Marion said: “Sweating is an important physiological process for the body, acting as a cooling system when body temperature rises through exercise or overheating. It also acts as a primitive response and can be triggered by emotions. The apocrine glands are found in the armpit which is one of the places where sweat is secreted from.

"Body odour occurs when the sweat combines with bacteria and fatty acid on the surface of the skin.

"The amount people sweat varies greatly between individuals but wearing a combined anti-perspirant deodorant will help to prevent both the secretion of perspiration and the formation of bacteria, therefore reducing the chances of embarrassing body odour or sweat patches.”

Keep refreshed during the festival season with this cooling and soothing travel-size water spray.

The softening and protective properties of the unique Avène Thermal Spring Water calms complexions and the low mineral content in the water, as well as its pH 7.5 (almost neutral) balance, will not sting, burn or dry out skin.

It's perfect for toning and refreshing flustered faces, setting make-up and as a morning pick-me-up.

Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water Spray (£3.15 for 50ml/£6.50 for 150ml) available from Boots and leading pharmacies avene.co.uk.

Care ITCHeze Cooling Gel and Care ITCHeze Cooling Spray Gel take a revolutionary new approach to cooling and soothing skin which is irritated, superficially reddened or prone to dryness and itching.

Both products contain Osmocare, a unique patented technology that uses the process of osmosis to draw water from the inner layers of the skin to rehydrate the surface layers. This generates a cooling effect that soothes the skin. It is easy to use, fragrance-free and quickly absorbed on both the face and body.

10. SPF FROM WITHIN

In a UK first, a clinical study showed a daily tablet could significantly improve skin firmness, reduce wrinkle depth and even provide a natural SPF10 in 12 weeks and SPF15 in 24 weeks.

The little pink tablet, Colladeen Visage – a potent mix of natural plant extracts high in lutein and anthocyanidins – has attracted much media attention and incredible sales.

Dr Sam Christie PhD, nutritionist and researcher, explains: “Plant pigments don’t hang around in the body, they gravitate to the skin where they are deposited. They help the skin cope with UV light by suppressing the damaging effects of sunlight, neutralising ‘free radicals’ and reducing inflammation (redness).

"In essence they give the body the tools it needs to help protect its delicate DNA from sun damage, using technology evolved by plants.

"While ColladeenVisage will never replace the effectiveness of a high SPF sun lotion, it provides an all year round base SPF and the potential for reducing the long term ageing effects of the sun.”

Colladeen Visage (£18.95 for 60 tablets, call 01892 552094 or visit naturesbest.co.uk to buy). Use two tablets daily for a minimum of eight weeks.